How to survive office politics.

1. www.onlymedics.co.uk
Office
Politics

2. Think that because you’re in
a medical role you won’t
encounter of ce politics?
Think again, says Elaine Ford.
I
n every company, whether you are
politics will sooner or later raise its
pursuit of power and techniques include
back-stabbing, taking credit for your
work, discrediting you, excluding you,
character assassination and triggering
con ict between yourself and others. So
how to survive in such a climate? Well,
the more interested you are in power,
the more political you’re likely to be. But
others don’t enjoy o ce politics and nd
it di cult to deal with. If you fall into this
category, read on.
www.onlymedics.co.uk

3. www.onlymedics.co.uk
It’s easier said than done, of course, what the important people think and, environment is to manage your boss
but far from impossible. It normally takes additionally, that they are aware of your better than he or she manages you.
two to tango as they say: if someone is beliefs in return. Get into the habit of regular informal
being underhand, the right response is As for gossip, there are two types: the communication, particularly if you only
to behave with fairness and openness. periodically meet face-to-face. It keeps
Treat everyone the same way, so that you him or her abreast of what’s going
actively demonstrate there is no ‘side’ the second is a good old ‘natter’ with
to you. And, once the politicians realise your friends about what’s happening hand information to pass onwards and
this, they will get the message and stop generally in the company. When you’re upwards. It also helps identify potential
trying to manipulate you onto their side problems before they escalate. Your
of the fence. boss has a job to do too and you’re a key
We would be saints if we didn’t admit to component.
Use your radar a little idle gossip and, indeed, I would Despite what you might believe,
go so far as to suggest that it is a healthy most managers do feel a real sense of
o ce past-time and could protect you against responsibility for the people who work
The more everyone shares the same malicious tactics. A good grapevine can for them. Treating your boss as a fellow
help warn you of political moves in the human being makes their life and yours
play politics with it. In other words, it a good deal easier, especially when the
When you work for someone else, sharks are circling for the kill. Asking for
‘spin’ against you. Make sure you know one of the secrets to controlling your advice makes your manager feel good
www.onlymedics.co.uk

4. ‘Think what be someone you already talk to: don’t
feel like a sneak, the chances are this
you like about politicians are, so it’s unlikely to come as
your boss but a surprise.
Politicians are schemers. They have
never, ever, a vision and plan to enable them to
achieve the results they want. Everyone
express it knows who the politicians are and
their ambitions are often no secret. By
orally or in thinking ahead and planning your own
course of action you can put politicians
writing; you’ll on the back foot and they, of all people,
will not be at their best when forced
only hand over to react. Political attack is risky for the
schemers if they know they’re likely to
the bullets
get short shrift from your supporters.
Be good at your job
to be red People play politics because they think
it’s a way of getting ahead. People who
back at you. clearly have talent and work hard don’t
need to be political to get ahead. So
Criticise ideas, keep your sales presentations short and
to the point, know your product(s) and
not people, clinical context inside out, respect your
customers’ time and treat everyone the
and extend way you’d like to be treated.
Mistakes are not necessarily
this principle ammunition for schemers. People are
accountable at work and inherently
to everyone.’ make mistakes on the road to success:
at one time or another it happens to
and encourages them to think of you as you just haven’t had time to think about embarrassment and score points when
their protégé which, in turn, makes them it, then use a delaying tactic such as: “Let the moment presents itself. So, when
more likely to come to your defense. me get back to you on that.” someone makes a mistake, don’t ignore
Do remember, though, that familiarity If you feel someone is playing politics it, help them out. This way, the guerillas
breeds contempt: you can’t expect to with you, keep a record of what’s will need to look elsewhere for bullets
be bosom buddies, because if anyone is happening. One thing politicians can’t and you’ll be the one that scores the
ever going to sack you, it’ll be your boss. stand is being held accountable for their points.
Think what you like about your boss actions. Having a paper trail or email
but never, ever, express it orally or in track of what they have been doing can lose’ ethos. Approach your work with a
writing; you’ll only hand over the bullets help you do exactly that. You might think win-win mentality: you might not always
this is taking things too far but, if you get what you want, but you’ll be trusted
not people, and extend this principle to by others. Some things just aren’t worth
everyone. step to positively handling the situation
and ensuring it doesn’t get out of hand. and, if you lose a round along the way,
Taking action
Forget it and move on.
That makes their superior a natural ally
pressed into making a decision when and political plans, but don’t join them.
you haven’t been adequately consulted, making contact only when things get Walk tall, walk straight and look the
you don’t have enough information or tense won’t work. The big boss should world right in the eye.
www.onlymedics.co.uk